Massive chicken recall: 2 Million pounds of frozen products affected

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To date, three reports of illness have been reported in Minnesota, and FSIS has determined a link to the now-recalled products.

According to FSIS, "Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after exposure to the organism. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment. In some persons, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized."

As with the Barber Foods recall, the concern is in the proper cooking of these products, one food safety expert tells Yahoo Health. The USDA stresses the importance of fully cooking these products:

"FSIS and the company are concerned that some product may be in consumers' freezers. Although the product subject to recall may appear to be cooked, this product is in fact uncooked (raw) and should be handled carefully to avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen. Particular attention needs to be paid to safely prepare and cook these raw poultry products to a temperature of 165° F checking at the center, the thickest part and the surface of the product.

"This frozen, raw, stuffed and breaded chicken product was labeled with instructions identifying that the product was raw and included cooking instructions for preparation. Some case-patients reported following the cooking instructions on the label and using a food thermometer to confirm that the recommended temperature was achieved. Therefore, FSIS advises all consumers to treat this product like a raw chicken product. Hands and any surfaces, including surfaces that may have breading dislodged from the product, should be cleaned after contact with this raw product. Also, keep raw poultry away from other food that will not be cooked. Use one cutting board for raw poultry and a separate one for fresh produce and cooked foods."

The affected products were shipped to retail stores nationwide. Varieties include chicken cordon bleu, chicken with broccoli and cheese, chicken Kiev, chicken Parmesan and Buffalo-style chicken, and were produced between April 15, 2015, and July 10, 2015, with "best if used by" dates between July 14, 2016, and October 10, 2016. The recalled products have the establishment number "P-1358."